Three-Michelin-star chef Heinz Beck to lead culinary transformation at Orient Express Venezia

Last Friday, Orient Express Venezia announced the appointment of acclaimed chef Heinz Beck to lead its gastronomic operations across the historic Venetian hotel. Beck, recognised with three Michelin stars and for his prominent role in European fine dining, will be shaping the culinary offering throughout, including a signature restaurant, informal eateries and event menus. The move aims to establish a distinctive food identity for the property, housed within a renovated palazzo.

Beck, working alongside the Beck and Maltese Consulting Team, will curate all food experiences, drawing inspiration from the city’s lagoon and surrounding regions to emphasise technical precision, clarity of flavour and a commitment to balance and lightness. Beck’s vision will be executed on-site by Pasquale Rivetti, who serves as chef in residence.

The hotel, located in one of Venice’s historic palaces, has undergone a comprehensive restoration that began in 2018, led by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman. The renovation seeks to revive the building’s heritage while incorporating contemporary design elements, and the culinary programme is similarly integrated with the palazzo’s artistic and cultural identity.

The centrepiece is Heinz Beck Venezia, a twenty-seat gastronomic restaurant operating exclusively for dinner. The menu features dishes such as Amberjack with Ash Buttermilk, Fresh Peas and Salted Lemon and Red Prawn with Carrots and Lagoon Seaweed, highlighting ingredients from nearby waters and the Mediterranean. The dining room, formerly the orangery, features sculpted glass inspired by underwater life – a design element that emerged from conversations between Beck and d’Amman.

For guests seeking a more casual experience, La Casati offers lunch and dinner menus rooted in Venetian heritage and seasonal produce. The restaurant’s design references the eccentric Italian aristocrat who inspired d’Amman, and in the summer, guests can dine in a 300-square-metre garden.

The property also houses the Wagon Bar, which pays homage to the original Orient Express railcar lounges with Art Deco influences, serving light dishes by day and cocktails into the evening. Salone Vittoria, formerly a ballroom, continues to host breakfasts, gala dinners and private events, with new menus curated by Beck and his team.

With Beck’s appointment, Orient Express Venezia intends to place gastronomy at the centre of its guest experience, combining fine dining, informal meals and special occasions within a unified culinary vision. The collaboration reflects an effort to blend cuisine, hospitality and the palazzo’s traditional character, offering guests what the hotel describes as a contemporary interpretation of Venetian tradition.

Food Desk

To book accommodation or a table at one of the restaurants at Orient Express Venezia, Strada Nova 2292 – 30121, Venice, Italy, call +39 04 18 85 80 04 or visit the hotel’s website here.